posted by Robert J. Carmack All photos by Robert J. CarmacK
Los Angeles Just completed hosting their 19th annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival on the very historic Central Avenue between Vernon Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd . The city was a gracious host to some of the most colorful and diverse audiences in the country. The Music as usual was at the forefront of the two-day festival, among the many community organizations chipping in to balance off the activities. ALL FREE !!! There were events for the youth at a special Pavilion that featured arts & crafts, face painting and interactive musical activities.
Community Health and Wellness booths were set up to check and prevent poor health ie; free blood pressure and health screenings.
Large local artists exhibit were made available for purchase.
Musically speaking, there are no other events better than Central Ave Jazz fest. with the future of jazz clearly in great hands of young musicians like, Kumasi Washington,Ray Goren, Mekala Session, Darynn Dean, while heavy anchors like Ernie Andrews and the great Gerald Wilson, who “collectively” has held down the LA Jazz scene over 70 years. Gerald traditionally closing out the festival on a high note with the young tenor saxophonist , Kumasi Washington’s solo.
Scenic views of the Festival!!
Hipster Collectors Corner – Members with Founder & Editor Robert J. Carmack (center/rear)
The great Billy Mitchell on Piano with Ernie Andrews
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Hipster Sanctuary 
Just thinking about all of the history that lingers within the haunts of the Central Ave. corridor; then to have an event like this one. How terrific that must have been. Sorry I missed it.
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Yes, Just think about it. Sad to find out, the Dunbar Hotel is millions of dollars in Debt, SMH
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Thank you Mr Tucker, as I was photographing the kids playing on-stage ,I couldn’t help thinking back to 50 years ago,I was doing the very same thing..playing on a big gig with a youth jazz band, & the great Gerald Wilson headlining the show… wow! awesome!! Loved every minute of the festival. Jazz is in capable hands!
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paintings of Rahsaan and Horace.artist name is Bongo RasStarr
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